Rapid Detection of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in the Acute Phase of Infection by Direct Real-Time Reverse Transcription without RNA Extraction.

No specific treatment has been developed for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). However, the prognosis can improve with early plasma exchange. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of SFTS virus is important for diagnosis and prognosis. Direct real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing is easier and more time-efficient than conventional real-time RT-PCR. Our study compared direct real-time RT-PCR efficiency without the RNA extraction and purification of conventional real-time RT-PCR. Samples were collected from 18 patients with SFTS and five without SFTS. A strong correlation (r = 0.774, 95% CI: 0.652-0.857, P <0.01) was found between conventional and direct real-time RT-PCR assays. Direct real-time RT-PCR showed 84.4% sensitivity and 92.0% specificity for viral detection. Direct real-time RT-PCR is an effective diagnostic tool for patients with acute phase SFTS, but further optimization is required for viral detection.